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• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Penny - Interview 11 >> Most people were very supportive but her mother was angry at the diagnosis, and one of her friends also found it hard to accept.

Penny was diagnosed three years ago (2003) with ALS, after having arm weakness, pains and coughing fits for three years. The condition has progressed quite slowly so far.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Jim - Interview 18 >> It was upsetting having to explain the diagnosis to lots of different people and make them understand how serious it was, but he couldn't move forward

Jim was diagnosed 2 years ago (2005) with Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA) form of MND. His legs and arms are affected but not speech.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Peter & Olivia - Interview 46 >> They set up an email group to tell people and keep them informed. It gave them great emotional support and showed them the true meaning of friendship.

Peter's daughter Olivia (aged 22) died within a year of developing pain and weakness in her leg, in late 2006. Diagnosis of MND remained uncertain, as aspects of her condition were unusual.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Ken - Interview 34 >> They put a note in their Christmas cards explaining Ken's diagnosis. Most friends have been supportive, but some are unsure whether to come and visit.

Ken was diagnosed with rare inherited (familial) form of MND less than a year ago (2006). He has limited arm and leg movement, has a PEG and uses a Lightwriter to speak, but carried on working until a month ago. Interviewed through his wife Chris.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Dick - Interview 42 >> The generosity and selflessness of friends who helped him care for his wife has made him see the world differently.

Dick was married to Di, who was diagnosed with MND two and a half years ago (2004). She died 6 months ago, aged 64.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 65+ >> Sylvia - Interview 25 >> She told friends she was ill in her Christmas cards, because she thought they'd feel awful if she died and they hadn't known.

Sylvia was diagnosed a year ago in 2005, after noticing difficulties walking. She can move around at home with a trolley, and uses a wheelchair or scooter outdoors. She uses non-invasive ventilation regularly.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Ann - Interview 24 >> Some people have been supportive, others have stopped phoning altogether. She has not yet thought how to tell her old school friend.

Ann was diagnosed with bulbar onset MND within the last 6 months (in 2006), after speech and swallowing difficulties. She is about to have a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG).

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Bev - Interview 47 >> After her mother was diagnosed she took her on holiday with one of her mother's friends. She was shocked that the friend was unsympathetic because of

Bev's mother died about a year after developing speech and swallowing difficulties and being diagnosed with bulbar onset MND, aged 72. Her family were unhappy with many aspects of the care received.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Roger & Luise - Interview 45 >> Roger found strength from somewhere. It was wonderful to see his sons involved in caring for their mother. Parishioners from her church rallied round.

Roger's wife Luise was diagnosed in 2004 aged 59, after a year of weakness in her fingers and leg. Roger and his sons cared for Luise at home until her death in 2006.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Martin - Interview 40 >> He still goes out with friends every Friday, although he can't hold a glass any more. One of his friends takes him fishing and helps him cast the line

Martin was diagnosed about a year ago in 2006, after a year of weakness in his fingers and hands. Movement in his arms is now very limited, but his legs and speech are not affected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Sandy - Interview 36 >> He can still go on walks but not as long as he used to. He still goes to his local pub sometimes and has a personal bar stool reserved for him.

Sandy was diagnosed 5 years ago (2002) after noticing weakness in one arm. His arms have been worst affected, and now his speech and neck muscles are deteriorating, but he can still walk well.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 65+ >> Audrey - Interview 02 >> She's happy entertaining herself at home and seeing friends, but is sad she can't do the gardening any more.

Audrey first noticed symptoms 11-12 years ago. Diagnosis confirmed three years later (1995). Still living at home with support from a daily carer and respite care in a hospice.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 20-49 >> Martin - Interview 40 >> The MND Association helped him pay for a holiday with friends in Amsterdam. It was good to get away and see a different culture.

Martin was diagnosed about a year ago in 2006, after a year of weakness in his fingers and hands. Movement in his arms is now very limited, but his legs and speech are not affected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 65+ >> Maryse - Interview 06 >> She knows she's dying and so do her friends. It's frightening, but everyone has to die and she's lucky she has no pain.

Maryse was diagnosed March 2005. She was told she had 2-3 years to live. Within months she could no longer live independently and moved into a nursing home. Her speech deteriorated rapidly.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Liz - Interview 22 >> She made a joke about dying and her friend was so upset she didn't contact her for three weeks.

Liz was diagnosed with rare inherited (familial) form of MND 8 years ago (1998). Sixth member of her family to be diagnosed. Has weakness in her arms and legs, and some speech difficulties. Has a PEG but does not use it yet.